HATTIESBURG
- The University of Southern Mississippi's Institute for Learning
in Retirement received a boost Tuesday from one of its own members
with a $100,000 donation.

The anonymous
donation will provide initial funding to endow the university liaison
position for the ILR. "The strong commitment to this organization
is exemplified by this donation," said Southern Miss's president,
Dr. Shelby F. Thames.

Southern Miss
provides an educational opportunity designed to meet the needs of
America's maturing population through the Southern Miss Institute
for Learning in Retirement.

"This
donation will help assure the long-term standing of the relationship
between the university and ILR by endowing the liaison position,"
said ILR's past president, Tom Price.

Older adults
who care about their education, who are self-motivated, and who
wish to define their own educational experience are able to realize
their personal goals in a relaxed university atmosphere through
participation in the Institute.

The major objectives
of the Institute are to involve learners in developing college-level,
noncredit educational activities and to provide an organizational
structure that distinguishes the Institute as an education community.

Founded in
May 1991 with 94 charter members, the Institute grew to nearly 150
members in its first year. Currently, the Southern Miss-ILR has
a membership of more than 450.

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April 20, 2004 4:09 PM